Excellence in Training

with Ken Hardesty

Sharpening the blade with Vanguard Krav Maga

In addition to the obvious self-defense aspects of the system, Krav Maga offers excellent overall health and wellness benefit

Editor’s Note:

Editor’s Note: In an effort to bring this combination of self defense and fitness training to the masses, Vanguard Krav Maga is offering franchise opportunities to existing schools or those who wish to open their own training venue. For further information on the Force Training Division or any of Vanguard Krav Maga’s programs, click here.

In the world of ever shrinking budgets, personnel allocations, and time to train, law enforcement and military personnel have in many cases been passed the onus to keep themselves current, in shape and properly trained to deal with today’s environment.

Israeli Roots
Krav Maga was created in the 1940s as an effective system for the newly created Israeli Defense Forces. The IDF had relatively-short enlistment periods, and thus a simple — yet formidable — style was needed for close quarter engagements.

The genius of Vanguard Krav Maga (VKM), its founders, instructors, and practitioners is in their development of this combat-proven system for use by municipal law enforcement personnel.

The developers of VKM were wise to seek the input of United States law enforcement personnel to assist with curriculum development. The VKM system includes the traditional deadly-force applications found in traditional Krav Maga, as well as soft- or empty-handed techniques.

Off-Duty Training
I first crossed paths with Ev Pepper, Neal Newman, and Ralph King late last year when I assumed the helm of our departmental defensive tactics program. Seeking to find what our officers were being trained in during their off-duty hours led me to the nucleus of all things VKM in our area.

I was pleased to see that the core of what VKM offers is very similar in nature to what our departmental program is centered around. If I was forced to use a minimal amount of words to describe the similarities found in police defensive tactics and Vanguard Krav Maga, I would say “simple and effective.”

In addition to the obvious self-defense aspects of the system, Krav Maga offers excellent overall health and wellness benefit. Many officers who practice the VKM system boast systematic weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and the confidence to stay in the fight.

Invest in Yourself
In my opinion, the VKM staff is meeting the expanding need of local law enforcement. With violent assaults against officers consistently on the rise, reduced personnel working the street, and the social implications of police work, officers attending this type of training are making an invaluable investment in themselves and their future.

For operational security, the VKM Force Training Division offers specific courses that are restricted to law enforcement/military. This allows the individual service member or officer to train absent prying eyes, as well as ask questions and run drills that are job specific and meet their personal needs.

As always, train hard, stay safe, and win the fight.

About the author

Ken Hardesty served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps before deciding to pursue a career in law enforcement. He has served continuously for fourteen years in large California agencies. His assignments include Detention, Patrol, Field Training Officer, Specialist Officer, Academy Recruit Training Officer, Basic Academy Coordinator and In-Service Training Officer. Ken is California POST certified to teach Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Chemical Agents, First Aid/CPR and Patrol Response to Active Shooter. Additional certifications include, National Rifle Association Tactical Shooting Instructor, Surefire Low Light Instructor and PepperBall Instructor. He is a court-certified expert in Illegal Weapons, and serves as a subject matter expert for the State of California in the areas of Firearms and Chemical Agents. Ken teaches Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings for the Department of Homeland Security as well as Leadership and Firearms/Chemical Agents Program Evaluation for the California Commission on POST. Ken is principal instructor for Spartan Concepts and Consulting a top-tier training firm dedicated to providing high quality firearms training and self defense seminars to law enforcement, security professionals and law abiding citizens. Ken enjoys spending time with family and is the proud father of two.